Sensory stimulation device

ABSTRACT

A sensory stimulation device is provided for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device. The sensory stimulation device includes a mobile unit having a housing having an array of lights, at least one speaker, and a control unit for selectively operating the array of lights and the speaker. The sensory stimulation device includes a support arm having a first end and an opposite free end. The free end removably attaches to the mobile unit and the first end removable attaches to a crib rail such that the mobile unit hangs over the crib. The control unit uses wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from the wireless communication device to selectively illuminate the array of lights and to output sound through the speaker.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,630 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 16, 2013 and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to infant toys, and more particularly, to a sensory stimulation device for entertaining and soothing an infant, which is preferably crib mounted for providing aural and visual stimulation for the infant while in a crib.

Infant mobiles and soothing devices are commonly found in homes and nurseries. Typically, these devices are mountable to a fixed portion on the baby's crib such as the crib railing or sideboard. Most often these devices include a music box and an arm extending from the music box over the crib. Typically, a plurality of objects or toys is suspended from the arm for visual stimulation. The music box may store a few simple songs and operate to play the songs while rotating the objects above the crib for both aural and visual stimulation. The controls for the mobile are generally only located on the music box.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device for providing aural and visual stimulation to an infant, preferably while in a crib in a nursery.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device capable of being controlled remotely using a variety of different wireless communication devices thereby allowing the parent or caregiver to control the sensory stimulation from outside the nursery.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device including a unique array of LED lights in a 120-cell pattern.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device capable of being programmed to display a beautifully choreographed audio arrangement and visual display.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for recognizing audible sounds made by the infant and recording those sounds in the memory so as to allow the parent to program a specific sensory stimulation response at a specific time or time interval.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a specially designed sensory stimulation device adapted to provide unique and beautifully choreographed entertainment to an infant or child.

It is another object of the present invention to provide age-appropriate soothing music and/or visual display for fascinating and quieting a child.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device having a decorative, flexible and support arm.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensory stimulation device capable of being free standing or mounting to a stationary object.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a sensory stimulation device for infants is provided capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device. The sensory stimulation device includes a mobile unit having a housing having an array of lights, at least one speaker, and a control unit. The control unit selectively operates at least one of the array of lights and at least one speaker. The control unit uses wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from the wireless communication device to selectively illuminate the array of lights and to output sound through at least one speaker.

The wireless communication device and control unit may include Bluetooth communication technology.

The sensory stimulation device may include a means for detecting sound produced by the infant. The means is operatively connected to the control unit and signals the control unit in response to sound. The control unit receives the signal and responds by selectively operating at least one of the speakers and the array of lights.

The sensory stimulation device may include a programmable timer in communication with the control unit for selectively illuminating the array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.

The sensory stimulation device of may include a plurality of switches arranged on the housing for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating at least one of speaker and array of lights.

In accordance with an additional embodiment a sensory stimulation device is provided for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a Bluetooth communication device and removably mounted to an object. The sensory stimulation device includes a housing having a top side, a bottom side having a visual display screen, and an interior cavity extending between the top and bottom sides. The sensory stimulation device includes a support arm having a first end and an opposite free end. The free end removably attaching to the top side of the housing. The sensory stimulation device includes a control unit and at least one speaker operatively connected to the control unit. The sensory stimulation device includes a sound detecting means operatively connected to the control unit for activating the control unit and signaling the control unit in response to sound detected. The sensory stimulation device includes an array of lights operatively connected to the control unit for selectively illuminating the visual display screen in a predetermined pattern. The control unit uses wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from the Bluetooth communication device to selectively output sound through the speaker and selectively illuminate the array of lights through the visual display screen.

The sensory stimulation device may include a plurality of switches for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating at least one speaker and array of lights.

The sensory stimulation device may include a programmable timer in communication with the control unit for selectively illuminating the array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.

The sensory stimulation device may include a battery compartment within the support arm, and at least one battery received within the battery compartment for providing electrical power to the sensory stimulation device.

The illuminated predetermined pattern of the array of lights may be a 120-cell pattern.

The support arm may include a decorative covering or soft covering. The support arm may be flexible.

The sensory stimulation may include a mounting bracket for mounting the first end of the support arm to the object.

In accordance with an additional embodiment a sensory stimulation system is provided for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device. The system includes a mobile unit including at least one switch for providing switching signals, a control unit configured to connect to the wireless communication device and receive the signals from at least one switch, at least one speaker operatively connected to the control unit and configured to output sound based on a signal received from the wireless communication device and a visual display screen having an array of lights operatively connected to the control unit and configured to illuminate based on a signal received from one switch and the wireless communication device.

The system may include a plurality of switches for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating one of the speakers and array of lights. At least one switch may be a push button switch having two states respectively providing an open state wherein the one speaker and array of lights are not activated, and a closed state, wherein power is supplied to one speakers and array of lights.

The system may include a programmable timer in communication with the control unit for selectively illuminating the array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.

The system may include a means for detecting sound produced by the infant. The means is operatively connected to the control unit and signals the control unit in response to sound. The control unit receives the signal and responds by operating one of the speakers and the array of lights.

The system may include a battery compartment within the mobile unit and at least one battery received within the battery compartment for providing electrical power to the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a sensory stimulation device for entertaining and soothing an infant, which is preferably crib mounted for providing aural and visual stimulation for the infant while in a crib as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sensory stimulation device showing a mobile unit and an arm mounted to a crib according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of the sensory stimulation device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sensory stimulation device showing a mobile unit and flexible arm according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the front side of the fastening clamp shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the rear side of the fastening clamp shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear side of the sensory stimulation device wherein the arm is mounted to a stand;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the rear side of the sensory stimulation device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7A is a front plan view of a visual display screen showing a mesh screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a front plan view of a visual display screen shown a mesh screen and plastic dream catcher structure according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an interior cavity of the mobile unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the visual display screen of the first embodiment showing an array of lights in a runcinated 120-cell pattern according to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the sensory stimulation device according to the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1 is directed to a sensory stimulation device 10 for infants. In its broadest context, the device 10 includes a mobile unit 12 removably coupled to a support arm 30.

The present invention has at least two embodiments, including a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile unit 12 includes a housing 14 having a substantially curved top side 16 and a substantially flat bottom side 18. The housing 14 is preferably made of plastic or other durable and lightweight material and includes an interior cavity 20 extending between the top and bottom sides 16, 18. The flat bottom side 18 includes a visual display screen 22. In alternate embodiments, not shown, the mobile unit 12 may resemble a sunflower.

The first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7A show the visual display screen 22A, which comprises a smooth fabric or mesh screen 24 extending along the bottom side 18 of the housing 14. The second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7B show the visual display screen 22B, which comprises the fabric or mesh screen 24 and an additional thin-plastic support structure 26 adjacent the mesh screen extending along the bottom side 18 of the housing 14 for providing increased support to the screen 24 as well as an aesthetically pleasing dream catcher pattern. In both embodiments, the mesh screen 24 has attributes capable of diffusing light passing therethrough.

FIG. 2 illustrates the top side 16 of the mobile unit 12 of the first embodiment of the present invention, which has a fastening means including a fastening loop 28 for mounting to the support arm 30. The support arm 30 is substantially curved and includes a first end 32 and an opposite free end 34. In alternate embodiments, the support arm 30 may be covered with fabric or soft felt material pleasant to the touch and include decorative leaves or petals or various other aesthetically pleasing designs, features or shapes, including but not limited to a sunflower or dream catcher.

The first end 32 of the support arm 30 has a fastening means 36 including a fastening clamp 36A for removably mounting the support arm 30 to a stationary object, preferably a side rail 6 of a crib 8 or stationary stand 44.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of the fastening clamp 36A, which couples to the first end 32 of the support arm 30 and is secured thereto by at least one screw 35. The fastening clamp 36A may include a compartment 37 for holding one or more batteries 39 therein.

The free end 34 of the support arm 30 includes a hook 36 which receives the loop 28 at the top side of the housing 14 for removably attaching the mobile unit 12 to the support arm 30. The curvature of the support arm 30 is configured so as to allow the mobile unit 12 mounted to the support arm 30, the ability to extend over the infant while in the crib. In the first embodiment, the support arm 30 is preferably made of curved wood.

FIG. 3. illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention including an alternate visual display screen 22 and an alternate example of the fastening clamp 36B. In this embodiment, the support arm is preferably a flexible tube wherein the free end 34 is integrally connected to the top side 16 of the mobile unit 12.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate opposite exploded views of the fastening clamp 36B of the second embodiment. The fastening clamp 36B is integrally formed with the first end 32 of the support arm 30, such that the first end 32 of the support arm 30 is received within an opening 42 of the fastening clamp 36B.

In the second embodiment, the fastening clamp 36B includes an aperture 38 adapted to be received over different size crib rails 6, or other like surfaces, to secure the support arm 30 thereto. The fastening clamp 36B has a securing means including a tension knob 40 for allowing the user to manually adjust the aperture 38 of the clamp 34 in order to tighten or loosen the clamp 36B.

FIG. 5 illustrates the mobile unit 12 and support arm 30 of the first embodiment connected to a freestanding stand 44. Here the fastening means is a structural member 36C for holding the support arm 30 in position on the stand 44. The stand 44 allows the mobile unit 12 to be portable and transported from one location to another as desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention including the top side 16 of the mobile unit 12 showing the integrally connected free end 34 to the mobile unit 12. A USB port 92 is provided for allowing a peripheral communication device to directly connect to the mobile unit 12. A DC inlet 120 is also provided for connecting with the AC/DC adapter and providing power to the mobile unit 12. A headphone jack (not shown) may also be provided.

FIGS. 2 and 6 both illustrate the top side 16 of the mobile unit 12 which includes a plurality of conveniently arranged switches/controls coupled to a control unit 50 for controlling various functions of the device 10 including a power switch 112, a volume adjustment control 114, a music push button switch 116, and a light push button switch 118.

FIG. 8 shows the control unit 50 positioned within the interior cavity 20 of the housing 14 of the mobile unit 12.

The control unit 50 may be a microprocessor, computer or any suitable programmable control system, coupled with a timer circuit 60, allowing for the programming of a sequence of sensory stimulation, including audio and visual stimulation. Stimulation may be through the visual display screen 70 and actuated at a particular time or at particular time intervals for a predetermined time. The control unit 50 may include an integrated circuit 52 and a printed circuit board substrate 54, on which an electronic circuit or integrated circuit is situated, which circuit includes multiple electrical components which are interconnected. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the circuitry on the printed circuit board 52 is conventional and well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art since it simply involves causing the speakers or LED lights to be activated upon receipt of a signal from one of the switches, which is how most infant musical toys operate.

FIG. 9 shows the printed circuit board 54 within the interior cavity 20 of the housing 14 of the mobile unit 12. The printed circuit board 54 includes an array of LED lights 56, which are preferably orientated in a 120-cell LED pattern, which may include, but is not limited to a runcinated 120-cell pattern shown or a hecatonicosachoron design. Other configurations including a variety of different color lights, light displays including lasers, and designs are contemplated and should not be limited to this preferred LED orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the power switch 112 selectively couples power from the power supply source 41, namely the battery compartment 39 or DC inlet 120, to all of the electronic components in the housing 14. The volume adjustment control 114 is provided to raise or lower the amplitude of a speaker amplifier or speaker driver 75, to respectively raise or lower the volume of sound produced by the speakers. Preferably, the volume adjustment control 114 is a rotatable member. The music push button switch 116 provides a switching signal to the control unit 50, which simultaneously activates the speakers 80. The light push button switch 118 provides a switching signal to the control unit 50 to energize the array of lights 56 to produce a predetermined light pattern.

Each switch 112, 116 and 118 has two stable states, pushing the switch in one direction turns the switch on and pushing the switch back in the opposite direction turns the associated function off. Alternatively, push button switches are contemplated and similarly have two stable states wherein pushing the button once turns the switch on and pushing the button again turns the associated function off. The control unit 50 is preferably programmed to turn off any function in operation after a predetermined time interval.

The control unit 50 is coupled to a stereo speaker driver 75 and at least one, preferably two, speakers 80 allowing for the playing of music, soothing sounds, white noise or any other sequence or random auditory signal which is activated via a wireless communication device 90. Preferably, the control unit 50 includes a Bluetooth communication unit 102 to perform wireless Bluetooth communication over the Bluetooth channel.

The control unit 50 is readily arranged to communicate with the wireless communication device 90 which may include any device capable of playing music not limited to, a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, MP3 player, voice of IP telephone, compact disc player, computer or music receiver. A web-based application in communication with the control unit 50 may also be accessed for controlling and programming the features of the device 10. It is also contemplated that the control panel 50 may include alarm clock features which can be programmed by the user through the wireless communication device 90 or web-based application for notifying the parent or caregiver, when for example, noise is detected. The alarm clock features may also include traditional alarm functionality for notify or waking the infant, turning on or off sound or the visual display and also notifying the parent or caregiver at a predetermined time or event.

Preferably, the wireless communication device 90 includes a Bluetooth communication unit 100 capable of communicating wireless communication signals over the Bluetooth communication channel.

In some demonstrative embodiments, Bluetooth communication units 100 and/or 102 include, for example, one or more Bluetooth wireless transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers able to send and/or receive Bluetooth wireless communication signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data.

Apply Airplay, Sonos, and all other similar wireless communication technology for playing music, which is known in the art is contemplated and included herein.

In the present embodiment, the wireless communication device is preferably a mobile phone having the Bluetooth communication unit 102, which is operable to communicate wirelessly with the Bluetooth communication unit 100 of the mobile unit 12. However, the communication device 90 may also or alternatively be connected to the USB port 92 on the mobile unit 12. This connection would also provide power to the wireless communication device 90 while plugged in.

The control unit 50 is coupled to a sound detecting means, preferably a microphone 110, which recognizes sounds and may record audible sounds made by the infant in the memory 120 of the control unit 50 and allows the user to program a specific sensory stimulation response at a specific time or time interval.

In use, the control unit 50 can receive voice signals through the microphone 110 and audio signals through the speakers 80, which are processed by the control unit 50, to allow the array of LED lights 56 of the visual display screen 70 to respond and illuminate as selected.

It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a sensory stimulation device for infants. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description.

It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A sensory stimulation device for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device, comprising: a mobile unit having a housing having an array of lights, at least one speaker, and a control unit for selectively operating at least one of said array of lights and said at least one speaker, and wherein said control unit uses wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from said wireless communication device to selectively illuminate said array of lights and to output sound through said at least one speaker.
 2. The sensory stimulation device of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication device and control unit include Bluetooth communication technology.
 3. The sensory stimulation device of claim 1, further comprising a means for detecting sound produced by the infant, wherein said means is operatively connected to the control unit and signals said control unit in response to sound, wherein said control unit receives said signal and responds by selectively operating at least one of said speaker and said array of lights.
 4. The sensory stimulation device of claim 1 further comprising a programmable timer in communication with said control unit for selectively illuminating said array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.
 5. The sensory stimulation device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of switches arranged on the housing for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating said at least one of the speaker and array of lights.
 6. A sensory stimulation device for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a Bluetooth communication device and removably mounted to an object, comprising: a housing having a top side, a bottom side having a visual display screen, and an interior cavity extending between said top and bottom sides; a support arm having a first end and an opposite free end, said free end removably attaching to said top side of said housing; a control unit; at least one speaker operatively connected to said control unit; a sound detecting means operatively connected to said control unit for activating said control unit and signaling said control unit in response to sound detected; and an array of lights operatively connected to said control unit for selectively illuminating said visual display screen in a predetermined pattern, wherein said control unit using wireless communication technology to obtain a wireless signal from said Bluetooth communication device to selectively output sound through said speaker and selectively illuminate said array of lights through said visual display screen.
 7. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of switches for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating at least one of said speaker and array of lights.
 8. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 further comprising a programmable timer in communication with said control unit for selectively illuminating said array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.
 9. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 further comprising: a battery compartment within the support arm; and at least one battery received within said battery compartment for providing electrical power to the sensory stimulation device.
 10. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 wherein the illuminated predetermined pattern of said array of lights is a 120-cell pattern.
 11. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 wherein the support arm includes a decorative covering.
 12. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 wherein the support arm includes a soft covering.
 13. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 wherein the support arm is flexible.
 14. The sensory stimulation device of claim 6 further comprising a mounting bracket for mounting said first end of said support arm to said object.
 15. A sensory stimulation system for infants capable of communicating wirelessly with a wireless communication device, the system comprising: a mobile unit including i. at least one switch for providing switching signals; ii. a control unit configured to connect to the wireless communication device and receive said signals from said at least one switch; iii. at least one speaker operatively connected to said control unit and configured to output sound based on a signal received from said wireless communication device; and iv. a visual display screen having an array of lights operatively connected to said control unit and configured to illuminate based on a signal received from at least one of said switch and said wireless communication device.
 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of switches for selectively providing switching signals to the control unit for operating said at least one of the speaker and array of lights.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of said switches is a push button switch having two states respectively providing an open state wherein the at least one speaker and array of lights are not activated, and a closed state, wherein power is supplied to the at least one of said speaker and array of lights.
 18. The system of claim 15 further comprising a programmable timer in communication with said control unit for selectively illuminating said array of lights in a predetermined pattern for a predetermined amount of time.
 19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a means for detecting sound produced by the infant, wherein said means is operatively connected to the control unit and signals said control unit in response to sound, wherein said control unit receives said signal and responds by operating at least one of said speaker and said array of lights.
 20. The system of claim 15 further comprising a battery compartment within the mobile unit and at least one battery received within said battery compartment for providing electrical power to the system. 